The ten men of Germany flirted with disaster before Toni Kroos scored a stunning free-kick to keep the holders alive in Group F
A dramatic stoppage-time goal from Toni Kroos gave holders Germany a 2-1 win over Sweden on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup last 16.Booking for Sweden's Sebastian LarssonKroos curled in a superb strike from an indirect free kickFree-kick for Germany from the left side of Sweden boxJohn Guidetti shot it straight to Manuel NeuerJulian Brandt hit the post from outside the Sweden box. Unlucky!Five minutes added as stoppage timeMarcus Berg is replaced by Isaac Thelin for SwedenRobin Olsen palmed it away to deny Mario Gomez. Toni Kroos with a brilliant cross-in and found Gomez in the middleJonas Hector is replaced by Julian Brandt for GermanyGood save from Manuel Neuer to deny John Guidetti. Crucial moment for Germanyfor Jerome Boateng. The ref brought out the RED CARD. Boateng had to leave the field, and Germany is down to 10 menTimo Werner's strike went just over the Sweden crossbar from 15 yards. Good cross-in from Joshua KimmichSweden's goal-scorer Ola Toivonen is replaced by John GuidettiCorner for Sweden. Emil Forsberg's long ranger from the rebound was straight to Manuel NeuerViktor Claesson is replaced by Jimmy Durmaz for SwedenThis time Sweden skipper Andreas Granqvist denied Timo Werner from close rangeBooking for Germany's Jerome Boateng for a foul on Emil ForsbergRelentless attack from Germany as they search for another goalToni Kroos' attempt was deflected over the Sweden bar. Corner for Germany. Kroos took it and Victor Lindelof headed it out of dangerToni Kroos hit a defender with his attempt from top of the Sweden boxMissed chance from Marco Reus, failed to tap-in the cross from Joshua KimmichLudwig Augustinsson cross-in from the left flank was long. Throw in for Germany on their own halfRobin Olsen dived to his left to collect the shot from Jonas HectorRobin Olsen has conceded his first goal for Sweden in 548 minutesFirst booking of the game to Sweden's Albin Ekdal for a foul on Thomas MuellerFree-kick for Germany. Toni Kroos with the delivery, but Thomas Mueller headed it just wide of Sweden goalToni Kroos' shot was deflected out. Corner for GermanyTimo Werner crossed it into the six-yard box. Reus charged in front of defender Augustinsson and shot it past Sweden keeper Olsen with his knee. Germany back in the businessEarly attack from Germany. Thomas Mueller with the cross-in from the left flank, it was cleared out by Victor LindelofSecond half begins...Half-time substitution for Germany: Julian Draxler is replaced by Mario GomezManuel Neuer kept Germany alive. Marcus Berg's goal-bound header was palmed out by Neuer. A good cross-in to German goal from a free-kick by Sebastian Larsson. It could have been game over for GermansTwo minutes added as stoppage timeAnother brilliant counter-attacking run by the Swedes. Viktor Claesson failed to make a good first touch to utilise the cross-in. Missed chanceSebastian Larsson made a timely block to deny Germany againDouble save by Sweden keeper Robin Olsen. He somehow palmed the ball away for German corner from the second save. The first effort was from Ilkay Gundogan, which got a deflection and going towards the net when it met the palm of a diving Olsen.Sweden settling down into the game quite comfortably now after facing early German onslaught on their goal. Dangerous sign for the world championsA brilliant finish from Ola Toivonen. Toivonen chipped it over German keeper Manuel Neuer after taking down the ball with his chest just inside the box. Equally fantastic cross from Viktor Claesson, who found Ola in the middle from the right side.Forced change for Germany. Sebastian Rudy is replaced by Ilkay GundoganCorner for Sweden, first of the match. Easily headed out of danger by German playerSebastian Rudy given some medical attention on the field. He has to change shirt because of the blood on the previous one. He is profusely bleeding from noseCorner for Germany. Toni Kroos with the delivery, but Sebastian Larsson headed it out of danger for SwedenMarco Reus with another good cross-in from the right flank for Germany. Good clearance by Sweden defendersLong throw-in from Sweden into German box. Comfortably cleared by German defender Jerome BoatengGreat counter-attacking run from Sweden's Marcus Berg. Somehow Germany survived. Manuel Neuer blocked the ball with a timely challenge by Jerome Boateng from the behind. Berg shouted for a foul, but the ref thought otherwiseIt's all Germany right now.This time Victor Lindelof blocked out Marco Reus' cross-in from right side of the Sweden penalty box.Julian Draxler's effort from the left side of Sweden box went wideJonas Hector's effort was cleared by Sweden. Germany started the proceedings with attacking mode onEarly chance for Germany. Chaos in front of Sweden goal, as couple of goal-bound shots were frantically blocked by defenders. Julian Draxler's shot was blocked by Sebastian LarssonHere we go....*Time for National Anthems*23:23 IST -- Players are coming out of the tunnel to the ground. It's an important match for champions Germany, after losing their opening game against Mexico.Manuel Neuer (capt); Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Antonio Ruediger, Jonas Hector; Sebastian Rudy, Toni Kroos; Thomas Mueller, Marco Reus, Julian Draxler; Timo Werner. Coach: Joachim Loew (GER)Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist (capt), Ludwig Augustinsson; Viktor Claesson, Albin Ekdal, Sebastian Larsson, Emil Forsberg; Marcus Berg, Ola Toivonen. Coach: Janne Andersson (SWE)Szymon Marciniak (POL)Germany coach Joachim Loew has dropped Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira from the side that desperately need a victory over Sweden in their Group F clash in Sochi on Saturday. The Germans, defending world champions, came in for harsh criticism after their opening 0-1 loss to Mexico, with Ozil and Khedira singled out. They have been relegated to the bench in favour of Marco Reus and Sebastian Rudy, while Jonas Hector comes in for the injured Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger replaces Marvin Plattenhardt.Centre back Victor Lindelof returns to an otherwise unchanged Sweden side following his recovery from an illness that kept him out of their opening 1-0 win over South Korea. Sweden will reach the last 16 with either victory over the Germans who they have not beaten in a competitive game since 1958, or two draws in their final two games.Hello and welcome to the live coverage of Group F match between defending champions Germany and SwedenThe match starts at 23:30 IST.
If a language has a word for the joy of misfortune at another person’s expense, you can assume it has a word for most things and in Sochi on Saturday night, at least two members of Germany Football’s World Cup 2018 party certainly appeared keen to remind their Swedish counterparts about the meaning of schadenfreude.
German does not, however, have a word for self-consciousness. The closest relation is selbstbewusstsein, the same as the word for confidence, its opposite. As Raphael Honigstein notes in Das Reboot, his account of the footballing reforms that led to Germany’s triumph in 2014: “[Germans] don’t see the contradiction – to be aware of yourself is to be confident.”
Joachim Löw sounded extremely confident last Sunday, speaking in the aftermath of his side’s surprise opening defeat by Mexico, despite the arrogance, recklessness and naivety his players had shown in that display. Germany crafted enough opportunities to draw that day, as Löw rightly pointed out, but that was irrelevant. They had lost because initially, Juan Carlos Osorio’s side had outclassed them.
Germany vs Sweden: Player ratings 25 show all Germany vs Sweden: Player ratings 1/25 We run the rule over both teams after a dramatic late finish. Getty 2/25 Germany player ratings Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS 3/25 Manuel Neuer - 6 out of 10 He backed himself against Toivonen for the goal, and was beaten, something he will be very disappointed about. AFP/Getty Images 4/25 Joshua Kimmich - 6 Much like against Mexico, his attacking play was impressive, but he left huge gaps behind him that were exploited. Getty Images 5/25 Jerome Boateng - 3 Truly awful. Unable to get back when he ventured forwards and could’ve given away a penalty as he tried to get back. Ended up being sent off late on, Germany were better without him. FIFA via Getty Images 6/25 Antonio Ruediger - 5 Alongside Boateng his performance was amongst the worst for Germany. Little leadership or authority, lacking everything Sweden showed. AFP/Getty Images 7/25 Jonas Hector - 6 Another better going forward than in defence. Had a chance inside the area but Olsen saved comfortably. AFP/Getty Images 8/25 Sebastian Rudy - 6 Had little impact on the game after going off early after an accidental clash that left his nose gushing with blood. AFP/Getty Images 9/25 Toni Kroos - 8 Had little impact going forward and couldn’t help his defence against the Sweden counter. Improved in the second half, and his performance will be forgotten thanks to his late, late strike. Getty Images 10/25 Thomas Mueller - 7 Had a poor game and offered little going forward. One of many that must improve in the coming games AFP/Getty Images 11/25 Marco Reus - 7 Had flashes of brilliance and one of the better German attackers, getting the all-important equalising goal AFP/Getty Images 12/25 Julian Draxler - 5 Poor, and showed little of his talent and skill. Hauled off at half-time as Germany were forced into finding an equaliser. Getty Images 13/25 Timo Werner - 6 Carried on running and trying to get at the Sweden defence. Showed his talent but couldn’t find the final pass or finish. Getty Images 14/25 Sweden 15/25 Robin Olsen - 7 Made a couple of good saves, particularly to deny Gundogan from range, could do nothing for either goal. AFP/Getty Images 16/25 Mikael Lustig - 7 Strong in defence, and stuck to his task well, with guidance from the experienced Granqvist. AFP/Getty Images 17/25 Victor Lindelof - 7 Back from an illness, and straight into the action as he was at the heart of defence that kept Germany out for so long. Getty Images 18/25 Andreas Granqvist - 7 His huge experience was called upon and he marshalled the defence with authority, gave everything and was out on his feet at the final whistle. AFP/Getty Images 19/25 Ludwig Augustinsson - 7 Looked impressive with a couple of balls into the box, and like the rest of his team have everything. AFP/Getty Images 20/25 Viktor Claesson - 7 Provided a great assist for Toivonen’s goal and worked hard in both defence and attack. AFP/Getty Images 21/25 Sebastian Larsson - 7 A threat going forward, whilst helping out his defence. Good from set pieces, which is helped by the height of his teammates. AFP/Getty Images 22/25 Albin Ekdal - 7 Another that spent the majority of his time defending. Used his big frame and strength to his advantage. AFP/Getty Images 23/25 Emil Forsberg - 7 Despite all his attacking promise, he also stuck to his task in defence to deny the Germans particularly first half. AFP/Getty Images 24/25 Ola Toivonen - 8 A brilliance piece of skill and calmness for the opening goal, and a constant threat for Sweden. Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS 25/25 Marcus Berg - 7 Had two very good chances in the first half, one through against Neuer and a header that was saved. A real pest for the German defence. AFP/Getty Images 1/25 We run the rule over both teams after a dramatic late finish. Getty 2/25 Germany player ratings Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS 3/25 Manuel Neuer - 6 out of 10 He backed himself against Toivonen for the goal, and was beaten, something he will be very disappointed about. AFP/Getty Images 4/25 Joshua Kimmich - 6 Much like against Mexico, his attacking play was impressive, but he left huge gaps behind him that were exploited. Getty Images 5/25 Jerome Boateng - 3 Truly awful. Unable to get back when he ventured forwards and could’ve given away a penalty as he tried to get back. Ended up being sent off late on, Germany were better without him. FIFA via Getty Images 6/25 Antonio Ruediger - 5 Alongside Boateng his performance was amongst the worst for Germany. Little leadership or authority, lacking everything Sweden showed. AFP/Getty Images 7/25 Jonas Hector - 6 Another better going forward than in defence. Had a chance inside the area but Olsen saved comfortably. AFP/Getty Images 8/25 Sebastian Rudy - 6 Had little impact on the game after going off early after an accidental clash that left his nose gushing with blood. AFP/Getty Images 9/25 Toni Kroos - 8 Had little impact going forward and couldn’t help his defence against the Sweden counter. Improved in the second half, and his performance will be forgotten thanks to his late, late strike. Getty Images 10/25 Thomas Mueller - 7 Had a poor game and offered little going forward. One of many that must improve in the coming games AFP/Getty Images 11/25 Marco Reus - 7 Had flashes of brilliance and one of the better German attackers, getting the all-important equalising goal AFP/Getty Images 12/25 Julian Draxler - 5 Poor, and showed little of his talent and skill. Hauled off at half-time as Germany were forced into finding an equaliser. Getty Images 13/25 Timo Werner - 6 Carried on running and trying to get at the Sweden defence. Showed his talent but couldn’t find the final pass or finish. Getty Images 14/25 Sweden 15/25 Robin Olsen - 7 Made a couple of good saves, particularly to deny Gundogan from range, could do nothing for either goal. AFP/Getty Images 16/25 Mikael Lustig - 7 Strong in defence, and stuck to his task well, with guidance from the experienced Granqvist. AFP/Getty Images 17/25 Victor Lindelof - 7 Back from an illness, and straight into the action as he was at the heart of defence that kept Germany out for so long. Getty Images 18/25 Andreas Granqvist - 7 His huge experience was called upon and he marshalled the defence with authority, gave everything and was out on his feet at the final whistle. AFP/Getty Images 19/25 Ludwig Augustinsson - 7 Looked impressive with a couple of balls into the box, and like the rest of his team have everything. AFP/Getty Images 20/25 Viktor Claesson - 7 Provided a great assist for Toivonen’s goal and worked hard in both defence and attack. AFP/Getty Images 21/25 Sebastian Larsson - 7 A threat going forward, whilst helping out his defence. Good from set pieces, which is helped by the height of his teammates. AFP/Getty Images 22/25 Albin Ekdal - 7 Another that spent the majority of his time defending. Used his big frame and strength to his advantage. AFP/Getty Images 23/25 Emil Forsberg - 7 Despite all his attacking promise, he also stuck to his task in defence to deny the Germans particularly first half. AFP/Getty Images 24/25 Ola Toivonen - 8 A brilliance piece of skill and calmness for the opening goal, and a constant threat for Sweden. Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS 25/25 Marcus Berg - 7 Had two very good chances in the first half, one through against Neuer and a header that was saved. A real pest for the German defence. AFP/Getty Images
Was Löw, then, concerned his side might follow the paths of other recent defending world champions – Italy in 2010 and Spain in 2014 – by seeing their defence of the World Cup end at the group stage? “I have no idea why that was the case with other countries,” he said. “We will not suffer that fate. We will make it to the next round.”
It was a striking, bullish tone for Löw to take, one that could be understood given his side’s pedigree but one that was totally unsupported by their performance. Statisticians downgraded Germany’s chance of progressing from around 90 per cent to 64 per cent after the Mexico defeat – moving Die Mannschaft from almost-certains to mere probables.
Even now, in the immediate hours after Toni Kroos’ spectacular stoppage-time free-kick, Germany’s place in the second round cannot be confidently predicted. Following this victory with another against South Korea on Wednesday in Kazan – back-to-back wins, the best Löw could have asked for last Sunday – may not be enough.
There is the hellish prospect of a three-way tie between Germany, Mexico and Sweden all on six points in Group F. If, for example, both Germany and Sweden win 1-0 on Wednesday then Löw’s side will progress from Group F as winners. If, however, both Germany and Sweden win 2-1, Die Mannschaft will be eliminated, missing out on second place due to Mexico’s superior head-to-head record.
The possibilities and permutations are various and from here, how Wednesday pans out is anyone’s guess. It made sense, then, that while the overriding emotion at the end of the night among players who stopped to speak in the mixed zone was one of relief, there was also talk of the need to improve, and a realisation that the drama of their victory should not mask another performance that often underwhelmed, especially in the first half.
Sweden, an effective but uncomplicated side, found the same space behind the Germany defence as Mexico, despite not having much in the way of speed to exploit it. Janne Andersson complained about the officiating after the final whistle, and while the decisions that went against his side were not so unjust to be an outrage, on another night Sweden could have entered the interval comfortable.
This was not, therefore, a night for the world champions to beat their chest and congratulate themselves, despite those two officials goading the Sweden bench. Löw appeared to understand that too. Asked again about the prospects of playing in the second round, perhaps against Brazil in Samara, he was more diplomatic than last Sunday.
“Right now, it’s not the moment to start ruminating about that,” he said. “There are various possible outcomes in the other groups. We have to play versus South Korea to be sure we make it to the next round.”
Löw is right. There are various possible outcomes, in Brazil’s Group E just as much as Group F. What is certain though is that Germany, having come so near to losing their status as world champions, will not want to find themselves that close to the edge again. If Löw and his players could be accused of over-confidence before and even after last Sunday’s defeat, Mexico and Sweden have made them all too conscious of their limitations now.
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Media playback is not supported on this device World Cup 2018: Germany 2-1 Sweden highlights
Never bet against Germany. They've never left it quite that late though.
Toni Kroos' 95th-minute winner against Sweden sparked bedlam in Berlin - could it prove to be the moment that revived Germany's hopes of retaining their title?
Earlier in the evening, they were on the brink of becoming the third straight defending champions to fall at the group stage of a World Cup.
"This was a thriller, full of emotion, a rollercoaster right up until the final whistle," said Germany head coach Joachim Low.
"We knew we had to bring on everything we had to turn it round."
They still need to beat South Korea and hope Sweden fail to beat Mexico in the final round of Group F games on Wednesday, but Germany have come roaring back in Russia.
'A shot of luck'
German fans watching at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin celebrate Toni Kroos' late winner against Sweden
As Kroos curled his shot into the top-right corner, the fan park at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin erupted, a mixture of elation and relief.
"For the German fans it would have been such an embarrassment if they'd gone out in the groups," said Germany-based football journalist Archie Rhind-Tutt on BBC Radio 5 live.
"There are still vulnerabilities at the back, but it gives them an air of invincibility when they can come back to win after playing like that.
"It's a watershed moment for Germany; it turns all of the momentum in their favour."
Yet in contrast to the delirious celebrations after the final whistle, Low's side were composed throughout, according to the coach.
"We didn't lose our nerve, we didn't panic after going a goal down," he said. "We kept a level head and said we needed to make quick passes and tire the Swedes out to open up spaces.
"We didn't score a couple of good chances but we never lost hope we could win the match and I think the goal scored in stoppage time had a bit of luck involved but it did show the belief we had in ourselves."
The headlines in the German papers acknowledged both that luck and the return of hope.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "Germany wins with a shot of luck."
Die Welt: "Blood, sweat and tears. And then came Kroos."
Suddeutsche Zeitung: "Kroos brings the hope back."
Bild: "Kroos, you are magnificent. Free-kick sleight of hand saves our World Cup. Dramatic victory with 10 men in added time."
Bild used a pun of Toni Kroos' name and the German word for magnificent to celebrate the national side's dramatic late victory
Back from the brink
Ola Toivonen's deft lob before the break left Germany facing their first exit from the opening stage of a World Cup since 1938.
Yet it would have been a familiar fate for holders in recent years - 2010 champions Spain and 2006 winners Italy both failed to reach the last 16 in the following tournament, while France finished bottom of their group in 2002 after winning in 1998.
But where those sides wilted, a resurgent Germany were largely dominant in the second half, looking the more likely side to score even after Jerome Boateng was sent off.
"I told them to stay calm at half-time," said Low. "Not to start panicking and trying new things out and playing high balls - to stay calm and that we will have chances to turn it around if we keep playing our game."
"You have to give Germany credit because they know how to be champions," said former England defender Matthew Upson on Match of the Day.
"Even when they're down and playing near their worst, they're able to get through it and get the result they need."
"It was a totally different Germany side in the second half," added former England women's right-back Alex Scott.
"They sucked Sweden in and then played it out wide and fizzed in lots of low crosses - that's where Marco Reus' equaliser came from."
'We were very angry with their reaction'
Sweden manager Janne Andersson said his side should have had a penalty for a foul on Marcus Berg
Sweden manager Janne Andersson reacted to the result with a mixture of disappointment, defiance and anger.
His anger was prompted by the exchanges between the Sweden bench and some of their German counterparts following Kroos' goal.
"They got into our faces making gestures and that really got me angry - we were all annoyed," he said.
"We fought it out for 90 minutes and at the end you should shake hands and leave - so we were very angry with their reaction."
His disappointment came from what he called "the heaviest conclusion" to a match of his career and the fact his side were denied a strong penalty shout when Marcus Berg appeared to be caught by Boateng.
"It looked like a clear penalty - so if we have the system - it's odd he doesn't need to go and have a look," he said.
Yet he ended on a note of defiance.
"The whole group is still alive so we'll have to lick our wounds and come back for the next match," he added.
"We still have an excellent opportunity to qualify and we're going to do everything to do that."
How the German side reacted
